Scientific publications
Boris Ronald Tonou Tchuente
Other affiliations: Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Pauline Vervaine Hagbe
Ousmane Mfopou Mbiondi
Roussel Guy Nguemto Takuissu
Other affiliations: Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation
Raissa Francoise Ntentie
Judith Laure Ngondi* (Corresponding author)
Julius Oben Enyong
Hippolyte Tene Mouafo
Javeres Leonel Ntepe Mbah
Other affiliations: Institut de Recherches Médicales et d’Etudes des Plantes Médicinales
Janvier Youovop
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines
Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecurity affects the dietary habits, socio-demographic characteristics and metabolic profile of individuals with diabetes or hypertension. This case-control study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive participants (cases) and diabetic and hypertensive normal (controls) during the screening campaigns for nutrition-related chronic diseases. The sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of the participants were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in the study population. Bivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR = 1.972; 95% CI: 1.250 - 3.089), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 2.012; 95% CI: 1.294 - 3.130), low fruit consumption (OR = 1.590; 95% CI: 1.016 - 2.488), low dietary diversity (OR = 2.915; 95% CI: 1.658 - 5.127) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.893, CI 95% 1.203 - 2.978) were significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, low fruit consumption (OR = 1.829; 95% CI 1.092 - 3.064), low legume consumption (OR = 3.515; 95% CI 1.861 - 6.635), and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.139 - 4.408) were significantly associated with diabetes. The indirect association observed between food insecurity and diabetes and hypertension suggests the need for nutritional policies aimed at popularizing the production and consumption of fruits and legumes. Similarly, health services need to be aware and informed of the important role that food insecurity can play in the development of diabetes and hypertension.
